EPCAMR Executive Director
RobertEHughesResume25 (as of 2025)
Biography
Bobby Hughes-Executive Director of the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR) has 30 years experience in abandoned mine land reclamation, water pollution control technologies, environmental education, and capacity building in coalfield communities throughout Northeastern & Northcentral PA; Coalition builder, grant writer, and grant administrator; Co-Coordinator of 27 State-wide Conferences on Abandoned Mine Reclamation (www.treatminewater.com); Co-Author of an activity/coloring book for youth on EPCAMR’s work, an e-book on our AMD Environmental Education Programs, and a Cornell University Press publication on Civic Ecology; Certified UAS Remote Drone Pilot; Currently working with EPCAMR Staff to advocate for renewable energy projects on mine lands related to solar including the creation of a Solar Site Suitability GIS Tool for siting potential solar projects on mine lands across PA, geothermal projects utilizing underground mine pool water, rare earth elements recovery, stream restoration to keep clean streams from entering the underground mine workings, conducting watershed assessments and water quality and flow monitoring of dozens of AMD impacted rivers and streams throughout the Northern Anthracite, which have included Shamokin Creek, and Northern Bituminous Coal Fields and reclaiming abandoned waste culm banks in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Independent Power Producers Association (ARIPPA) in coalfield communities; An Agnes Flood Baby born in the Wyoming Valley Coal Region as a native of the City of Wilkes-Barre in the heart of the Northern Anthracite Coal Field
Robert has spoken at several National conferences on EPCAMR projects and the organization’s ability to leverage funding and manual labor from private businesses and public interests alike. EPCAMR serves as a liaison and project coordinator between the myriad of state, federal, and local agencies to complete hundreds of mine drainage remediation projects. Robert graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in May 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Resource Management and a concentration in water pollution control technologies and hydrogeology. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on the day of the historic Agnes Flood and now lives in Shavertown, PA, with his wife Tara, of 32 years, with his youngest son, Ethan. He has two other older children, Hayley and Dawson, and two grandchildren, Lincoln James and Cali Aspen.
In 2010, Robert won two 40 under 40 Awards from The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Times Leader, respectively. He was recognized as a young environmental leader who is helping to protect and improve the Commonwealth’s environment and communities.
In March of 2009, Robert became the youngest recipient of the William W. Jeanes Award for Environmental Excellence on behalf of his commitment and dedication to AMR and AMD remediation in the Susquehanna River Basin. He is only one of six awardees to receive this prestigious award, which is presented by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission to honor individuals who make significant contributions to protect the water quality of the Susquehanna River Basin.
In October of 2007, Robert was awarded the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Northeast Environmental Partnership Award for his work outside of his full-time job, serving his hometown of Avondale Hill and the surrounding Anthracite mining communities located in Plymouth Township, PA. Robert served as the appointed volunteer Planning Commission Chair for the Plymouth Township Planning Commission for 7 years. Through this position, he worked with numerous partners to conduct community cleanups, illegal dump site surveys, historic preservation projects, community garden projects, and coordinate River Festivals along the Susquehanna River, from 2001 to 2010, to improve the quality of life in and around his hometown.
Also in 2007, Robert was awarded the Ted G. Daniels Community Development Award and the Luzerne County Historical Society’s Annual Historic Preservation Award for his work on the Avondale Hill Industrial Art Preservation and Community Gardens Project.
In March of 2005, Robert was chosen by the American Institute for Public Service and the Times-Leader as the recipient of the Jefferson Award for Community Service for his work in cleaning up abandoned mine lands in Plymouth Township and his volunteer efforts to rally residents and area youth to participate in annual cleanup events as a member of the Wyoming Valley Watershed Coalition.
In May of 2005, Robert accepted the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals Karl Mason Award on behalf of EPCAMR for their work in the region on AMR, AMD treatment, environmental action projects, education and community outreach, and for his partnership and collaboration with regional stakeholders and watershed groups through Northeastern PA.
In 2003, Robert and his co-worker, Michael Hewitt, authored an AMD Activity/Coloring Book for children of all ages, allowing area youth to understand Pennsylvania’s local geology and water quality impacts due to abandoned mines located under their feet. The book is available for free electronic distribution through EPCAMR’s website and hard copies can be ordered through the EPCAMR Store.
